This is a release from Auburn Athletics.
AUBURN, Ala. – Sophomore midfielder Anna Haddock recorded her first career brace to lead Auburn to a 2-1 win against No. 12 BYU in the team’s home opener Saturday at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
Saturday’s win marked the Tigers’ first win against a top-15 team since a 1-0 win against No. 10 Florida on Oct 15, 2017. The victory, which occurred in front of nearly 1,000 fans, also marked Auburn’s seventh straight dating back to last spring.
“What a night to have a full capacity stadium again,” head coach Karen Hoppa said. “We had a packed house, and the atmosphere was incredible. It really inspired our players, and what a tremendous performance.”
Haddock put both of the Tigers’ goals in the back of the net, marking her second and third goals in just two matches this season, while Carly Thatcher, Kylie Bechard, and Alyssa Malonson each pitched in with an assist. It marked the first career points for Thatcher, who made her Auburn debut in the contest, and Bechard.
“First of all, that was the biggest crowd that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Haddock said. “It was awesome to score those goals against a really high-quality team, and this is something we can build on for the rest of the year.”
Haddock got the Tigers started with a powerful finish into the bottom right corner in the closing minutes of the first half. After taking a shot that skipped wide, Thatcher reclaimed possession and dropped a pass back to Bechard, who laid it off to Haddock for the finish.
Less than a minute later, BYU responded with a goal from Abbie Kotter to tie it up going into halftime.
The Tigers regrouped during the intermission, and nearly 25 minutes into the second half Haddock scored her second game-winner in as many contests this season. Malonson beat her defender up the left flank and served a pass far post, while Haddock rose above the BYU defender and put a clinical header into the upper 90.
“Two of your top players stepping up in a big-time moment,” Hoppa said. “It was a great ball from Alyssa, and Anna’s a clutch player in big moments. That’s who you want on the ball, and she took care of it.”
“I saw Alyssa driving, and I know when Alyssa’s driving she’s going to get a cross off,” Haddock added. “I don’t know if I’ve ever screamed louder for a pass, but she chipped it right in, and I just watched the ball and headed it into the back of the net.”
On the defensive side, Maddie Prohaska played the full 90 minutes in the net and defended 18 BYU shots while making three crucial saves for the Tigers. Senior forward Hailey Whitaker also pitched in on the defensive side, blocking a header off a corner from going into the back of the net in the early stages.
Facing a quick turnaround after Thursday’s season opener at Samford, Sixteen Tigers saw action in the game, including nine who played 80 or more minutes. Senior captain M.E. Craven was on the pitch for all 90 minutes for the second time in three days and played a huge role on the defensive end.
“We were really excited coming into the game, and one of our big points of emphasis was to have fun and play our game because we know we can compete with people at this level,” senior captain M.E. Craven said. “That’s what we did, and we came away with the win.”
Auburn has a pair of road contests against in-state foes next week, starting with a match at Troy Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.
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